More women in India are now giving birth in hospitals, especially private ones, the latest National Family and Health Surveys (NFHS) released on Friday by the ministry of health and family welfare has revealed.
Births in hospitals increased from 88.6% in the 5th survey (2019-2021) to 90.6% in the 6th survey, which captures data from 2023-2024.
“The survey shows continued progress in safe childbirth, with institutional deliveries increasing from 88.6% to 90.6%, and births attended by skilled health personnel improving from 89.4% to 91.3%. Coverage of postnatal care within 48 hours after delivery has also improved to 82.8%, strengthening continuity of care for both mothers and newborns,” the report states.
Rise in institutional births has a direct bearing on the decrease in the country’s maternal mortality rate, say experts.
“These improvements are also reflected in India’s continued progress in reducing maternal mortality, with the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) 2022–24 estimates placing the national Maternal Mortality Ratio at 87 per lakh (100,000) live births,” said a senior government official on condition of anonymity.
However, more women now prefer giving birth in private hospitals as the percentage of births in public health facilities has dropped from 61.9% in NFHS-5 to 58.6% in NFHS-6, the report said. “Many private hospitals are empanelled under AB-PMJAY, which may have a role to play.”
{{/usCountry}}However, more women now prefer giving birth in private hospitals as the percentage of births in public health facilities has dropped from 61.9% in NFHS-5 to 58.6% in NFHS-6, the report said. “Many private hospitals are empanelled under AB-PMJAY, which may have a role to play.”
{{/usCountry}}The latest NFHS-6 findings also show that first-trimester antenatal registration increased from 70% to 76.2%, while the proportion of mothers receiving 4 or more antenatal care visits increased significantly from 58.5% to 65.2%. According to the health ministry, 95.9% pregnant women are now receiving antenatal care services, reflecting expanding outreach. “These gains reflect the government of India’s sustained investments under flagship initiatives such as Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan) & Extended PMSMA, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Ayushman Bharat...,” said an official.
The percentage of overweight or obese women has risen from 24% earlier to 30.7%. Among men, it has increased from 22.9% to 27.3%.
Among the challenges faced by governments is the increased reporting of lifestyle-related diseases, especially overweight.
Data show that blood sugar levels among adults aged 15 years and above have increased, with the very high category rising from 6.3% earlier to 9.1% in the current survey, and the high category jumping from 6.1% to 7.5%.
“Preventing lifestyle-related diseases is one of the government’s focus areas. Several programmes are focusing on tackling this issue,” said the health secretary.
The NFHS series provides information on population, health, and nutrition for India, and NFHS 2023-2024 is the sixth in the series.